Friday, December 21, 2012

"For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes—the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki—the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will."

I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming.

I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself…

OMG! Those following this series will love this book. The rest of you? Go get book 1, Touch of Frost! Seriously... GO! This series is amazing and this is such a great addition. My goal right now? Not to spoil a thing for those reading the series and those not yet picked it up.

This book is filled with a bit more political intrigue. We learn more about Loki's reapers and yet so much still remains a mystery. The adventure and action blend well with the intrigue and I have to say that I'm really impressed with Gwen in this book. Not only is she brave, but she is intelligent as well. I love that in female YA characters!

There are aspects we have also been teased throughout the series and still are teased more. I know I will get those answers but will have to wait a bit longer to find out what they mean. I won't say what they are for fear of spoiling it for those just starting, but I will say that although I want those answers, I also don't mind waiting. Why? Because that means I'll get more Mythos Academy adventure!

What else? The action was fierce and Gwen's circle of friends widens. Ah the secondary characters rocked. And of course Vic still tried to steal the show. I love that sword! My biggest complaint? The next book is slated for Aug 2013. :( Well, you know good thing comes to those that wait.

I received this ARC from the author and no compensation for my review was given.

...and speaking of waiting...

Come back Jan 3rd for a excerpt of Crimson Frost and a giveaway! This book will be published on the 24th!

AND.... the first 5 of Jennifer Estep's adultElemental Assassin series is now on sale! The first 5 are only $2.99!!!!! So, those that want to start the series can and those that need some of the first books can also get those! I recommend that adult series! I love it.

"I think this is really cool, since folks who buy the e-books can get a complete story arc of my heroine, Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, taking on her nemesis. The story arc spans the first five books in the series."

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Meme hosted by Melissa My World in Words and Pages. It's about books that are already on the shelves and are waiting to be read. Go to her website to join in!

This week's submission:

Patient Zero
by Jonathan Maberry

When you have to kill the same terrorist twice in one week there's either something wrong with your world or something wrong with your skills... and there's nothing wrong with Joe Ledger's skills. And that's both a good, and a bad thing. It's good because he's a Baltimore detective that has just been secretly recruited by the government to lead a new taskforce created to deal with the problems that Homeland Security can't handle. This rapid response group is called the Department of Military Sciences or the DMS for short. It's bad because his first mission is to help stop a group of terrorists from releasing a dreadful bio-weapon that can turn ordinary people into zombies. The fate of the world hangs in the balance....

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

UMBRAL SERVES THE DEATHSWORN. He exists for one purpose only: to hunt down the last girl with rainbow magic and kill her. Now he has Dindi at his mercy. But he discoverers that the Raptor Riders of Orange Canyon have played with dark magic that threatens all Faeath, and he needs Dindi’s help to stop them.

DINDI BARGINS FOR HER LIFE. She offers to help her captor rescue the White Lady from the Raptor Riders, who plan to use the faery as a pawn in a monstrous scheme. But Dindi will never forget that Umbral murdered someone she loved…and never forgive. She vows to escape and bring him to justice.

A DARKNESS UNCOILS IN ORANGE CANYON. If they can’t work together, the darkness will consume everything.

WELCOME TO FAEARTH…where humans are trapped between the immortal fae and the minions of Death. But one woman and the warrior who loves her will defy every taboo to protect their people.

I have to say I had forgotten how much I had loved The Unfinished Song until I started reading Wing. Then oh my gosh it just hit me all at once. There was also a part of me that was afraid I wouldn't remember characters or important parts of the storyline. This is book 5 in the series after all and its been a while since I read Root, book 4. But again it all came flooding back!

I have to say the fifth book is just as good as the first. I love the world Maya has created. Faearth is AMAZING!!! Plus I LOVE the characters. Especially Dindi. Umbral even began to grow on me!

Also the way Maya weaves her story and all her players together! Some stuff definitely didnt turn out like I thought it would, but it somehow made the story even better!

Lots more secrets and histories are revealed in this one and it ends in a cliffie (of course!) But on the upside characters arent dying left and right. However I feel that I have been lulled into a false sense of security and given the title of the next book is Blood the characters might start dying again. *SIGH* Ah well, it is worth it the story again is AMAZING!!

I soooo recommend reading The Unfinished Song series if you havent already! It is amazing!

Bloggy note:

For those wanting to try the series, the first book: The Unfinished Song is now FREE at Amazon, Kobo, Smashwords and .99 at B&N

Enter the dark realm of Nocturna in Jeaniene Frost’s redhot tale, where blisteringly sexy Raphael dominates the demons of a lawless dimension and tries to help a beautiful young woman avenge her cousin’s disappearance.

Note: Originally appeared in the Haunted By Your Touch anthology.

Yep, I just reviewed this one and I think the cover goes perfectly for this meme! Writing a bit obscuring the chest... but still nice. :) You could also put the anthology this originally came from, Haunted by Your Touch also in this category:

Enter the dark realm of Nocturna in Jeaniene Frost’s redhot tale, where blisteringly sexy Raphael dominates the demons of a lawless dimension and tries to help a beautiful young woman avenge her cousin’s disappearance. In the shadowy world of Shayla Black’s Doomsday Brethren, magical warrior Raiden vows to protect his woman and their unborn youngling from evil—and deliver her safely to another man. But once he’s saved her, can he let her go? Lycans rule the night in Sharie Kohler’s suspenseful story, as a fiery woman stalks mysterious Luc, the undeniably hypnotic being she believes can save her from turning . . . if she kills him. Danger beckons in these captivating paranormal tales that will tempt readers to the edge and leave them begging for more.

Monday, December 17, 2012

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.

War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again.

This is the second book of the healer series and Touch of Poweris the first in the series. I admit in the last book I did not like Kerrick at all. Even though he was so much better at the end of the last book I had a hard time reconciling him from the beginning. So, in this case it was a good thing for the second book to come a bit later than right after the first. Why? Because in this book I loved Kerrick and actually had to be reminded I didn't like him at first.

So, yes, I was totally on board with the romance. The adventure in this one also was very captivating despite the politics within the story. There was a good balance with the political wrangling and action that neither felt overwhelming the other. It kept me reading at a good pace.

I had a bit of a problem with the ending. Some of the conclusion with the big bad Tohon was a bit too fast and contrived for me, but still left enough open that I will not discount anything. I will also say this: the ending killed me a bit too. UGH! You will want the 3rd installment of this series ASAP. In fact, that isn't even soon enough for me. :)

I give this book 4 stars and think this is an excellent second book to this series. I still really enjoy Avry and she is a great heroine in this series. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a older YA magical adventure. This book will be published tomorrow: 12/18/12

I received this book via NetGalley and the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

I've been doing this every year and it has evolved every year. Last year I decided you have to do something for animals and Felicia of the Geeky Blogger decided to join in (YES!). I think I'll do it this year as well. Last year I said you had to do it in the month of December. This time, I'm extending it to the whole of 2012. Since there was so much going on (especially with the big storm recently) that I think that those acts of kindness are worth talking about. Plus, if you are having a bad time of things during this season, I think it lifts you up to see people thinking of others. For examples check out last year's post HERE.

To make this easy here are the rules:

You must do something for animals. It can be giving money, volunteering, or supporting them in some major way this year.

You must tell me what you did or where you donated (do not tell me the amount if it is money) in the comments. That way people can also find out what to do or where to donate.

Fill out the Rafflecopter form which also has prompts to remind you to do this.

You could also donate to organizations like the ASPCA who are still helping out Sandy victims. The Humane Society or any local organization. It doesn't have to be about money. It could be time. You could have helped prevent BSL by writing to your congressman (see my left side for those links). Walking a neighbor's dog who cannot do so themselves. Donating needed items to a local shelter. Finding a dog and bringing it back to it's home. Blogging about your favorite charity or cause. There is a lot out there you can do.

*And as it was last year... it's on the honor system. Please do not lie. Sarah McLachlan will find you and make you cry if you lie. She can do it. I've seen those commercials. Yes, same threat, but I think it was a good one.

Oh and if you will help promote this, the animal gods will smile down on you... just sayin'... ;)

So, in honor of my boy... I'm giving away $10 prize. Felicia, in honor of her girl is giving away a $10 prize as well. Yep, 2 winners! It will be either a Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift certificate or that same amount in book depository books. Yep, it's international. :) I'll end it on the 29th.

To enter tell me what you did and fill out the rafflecopter form below:

Friday, December 14, 2012

Aurora Lockette has a supernatural ability she hides from the world. Gavyn Dhaval is a newly famous actor that shies away from the spotlight. When Aurora and Gavyn literally collide in a fender bender on her first day of law school, they are irresistibly drawn to each other.

When Aurora’s secret is revealed, she has no choice but to abandon Gavyn to go into hiding to escape the media frenzy. A secret society of gifted humans contacts her to warn of dark forces that seek to destroy her and everyone she loves.Aurora must try to understand who and what she is while she fights to protect herself and her loved ones from a hidden, sinister force

I’m on the fence with this one.

I liked the story. It was a good story. The world Kavi has created is interesting and I really would like to find out more about it. I liked the characters. They are interesting and I really wanted Aurora to find her happy ending. That says a lot since some books I’ve read I actually have rooted for the main characters to walk off cliffs so….um yeah.

The main reason I’m on the fence. The start of the book kinda annoyed me. Just the first page had me wondering/hoping it would get better. In the first sentence the main character says she can fly, but then just goes into the main character going to law school. The story really doesn’t go into her ability to fly until later in the book. I know that it should have drawn me in, but somehow it just didn’t.

Also I’m on the fence because I wish there had been more information given about Aurora and how she functioned earlier in life. I also would have enjoyed finding out more about the other people’s talents and how they worked etc.

I’m not sure if this is the first book in a series or not. It didn’t have a cliffie or anything. (Thank goodness) But it definitely could lead into an interesting new series. I don’t usually rate books with stars here but I would give it 3.5 if I did. Also I want to say that if I was given the chance to read more books in the series or by this author I definitely would. The issues that I had with the book could definitely have been my own personal ones and I don’t see why anyone else wouldn’t enjoy the book as well.

Probably won’t hear from you all again ‘til after the holidays. So Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Wishing you all well this Winter Season! See Ya Next Year!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Meme hosted by Melissa My World in Words and Pages. It's about books that are already on the shelves and are waiting to be read. Go to her website to join in!

This week's submission:

The First Days
by Rhiannon Frater

Katie is driving to work one beautiful day when a dead man jumps into her car and tries to eat her. That same morning, Jenni opens a bedroom door to find her husband devouring their toddler son.Fate puts Jenni and Katie—total strangers—together in a pickup, fleeing the suddenly zombie-filled streets of the Texas city in which they live. Before the sun has set, they have become more than just friends and allies—they are bonded as tightly as any two people who have been to war together.During their cross-Texas odyssey to find and rescue Jenni’s oldest son, Jenni discovers the joy of watching a zombie’s head explode when she shoots its brains out. Katie learns that she’s a terrific tactician—and a pretty good shot.A chance encounter puts them on the road to an isolated, fortified town, besieged by zombies, where fewer than one hundred people cling to the shreds of civilization.It looks like the end of the world. But Katie and Jenni and many others will do whatever they have to to stay alive. Run, fight, pick each other up when they stumble, fall in love…anything is possible at the end of the world

I won the print book and I really can't wait to dive into this book! I know once I read it I'll be drooling for the rest.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Enter the dark realm of Nocturna in Jeaniene Frost’s redhot tale, where blisteringly sexy Raphael dominates the demons of a lawless dimension and tries to help a beautiful young woman avenge her cousin’s disappearance.

Note: Originally appeared in the Haunted By Your Touch anthology.

Hm.. what can I say? When I was asked to review this I jumped at the chance. I just saw the title and the author and didn't even try to find the blurb of what it is about. So, instead of reading a new short by Jeaniene Frost, I re-read this short. However, since I enjoyed it the first time so much... I didn't mind that at all.

Oh what can I say. I LOVED the short story from Jeaniene Frost. If she develops it into another series I will be there drooling for Raphael. In a way he does remind me a little bit of Bones. He's a bit arrogant with reason, he's strong, smart and sexy as hell. Plus he is in love with one woman only. He's a bit more willing to allow Mara to do her own thing and is less chauvinistic than Bones can be around Cat. AND with Jeaniene Frost you know you are going to get some sexy time in the book. Oh yes you do! Even the carriage ride sexy time was pretty good. ;) Yes, this short story is one I believe everyone who loves the stories by Ms. Frost will enjoy.

*looks it over* Yep, I stand by what I said. I enjoyed it even the second time around. I still am hoping she will pick up this novella and make it into a series. I wouldn't mind more Raphael. *nods head* Not at all...

I give this novella 4 stars! I want more! Oh and right now this story is $1.99 at your fave ebook store.

I received this ebook from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.

Man-gods born to live and love forever, the Lords of Satyr are renowned for their sexual prowess. . .and unquenchable lust. . .

Call My Name

The forum excavations in Rome go on, directed by the iron-willed, charismatic Lord Bastian Satyr. Out of nowhere, a mysterious, haunting voice calls out to him. . .and lures him to the site of a long-vanished temple, where vestal virgins once performed rites of erotic surrender. The temple is the find of his career, but his heart is about to face the unknown...

Michaela is a pure Ephemeral. She can enter the bodies of othersand become any woman a man might wish to possess. His choice is her pleasure. And the commanding and utterly virile Bastian is the only man she desires...

This was one of my first smexy reads at the blog. My review HERE. Oh yea... it's a very smexy read... he's a Satyr! LOL So, what do you think?

Monday, December 10, 2012

It's been months since the ghost of Anna Korlov opened a door to Hell in her basement and disappeared into it, but ghost-hunter Cas Lowood can't move on.

His friends remind him that Anna sacrificed herself so that Cas could live—not walk around half dead. He knows they're right, but in Cas's eyes, no living girl he meets can compare to the dead girl he fell in love with.

Now he's seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he's asleep and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong...these aren't just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.

Cas doesn't know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn't deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it's time for him to return the favor.

This is a frustrating, dark, interesting, compelling, great ending to Anna Dressed in Blood. Yep, it's only 2 books, but a satisfying conclusion to the first book. Hm... I guess you can't tell that I really enjoyed the book. Also, look at that cover, it's amazing!

The frustrating part was intentional. I was frustrated with people telling Cas to let Anna go when you just knew there was something more to what was going on. People who supposedly knew so much would try to stand in his way instead of getting answers they all needed. Still, this whole part built tension that concluded in the ending that was fulfilling.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. You must read these in order (I mean, really there are only 2 books here) but you will not be disappointed with these books. If you like dark YA then you will enjoy your time with Anna and the gang.

Friday, December 7, 2012

When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out of the closet at her, she can’t help but wonder what Cookie’s up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously? Cookie explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. But Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a woman’s name. Mimi’s husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven…well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do?

Ah... Reyes... uh, excuse me, I mean this is the second book in this series. This one had me LOL'ing a lot. I also have to say that I'm totally going to try her fake plant craft. Heh... that is something I'd SO do, and that is just one small detail that makes this book so priceless. Yes, Charley makes her plants look like they are dying (I didn't think that would be too much of a spoiler... LOL). Stop looking at me like that... it's not like I came UP with the idea... I just like it.

The chapters are broken up with t-shirt slogans and bumper sticker sayings as the last one. Two of my faves made the list:

There is nothing to fear but fear itself... and spiders

What am I doing in this handbasket? Where am I going?

Yep, if you couldn't tell already, you know I loved this book.

I really enjoyed the secondary characters in this book. LOVED Cookie and so want her as my friend. I also loved the coming together of Charlie with the rest of her family. My only complaint was Charlie herself. Usually in these UF books I want to kick the male protagonist in the hiney for being so stubborn but this time it was Charlie! Still, I am curious as to where she takes the story next as not everything was wrapped up and Charlie is continually exploring who she can become and who she is within humanity. Even with all that hiney kicking, I would still totally love her as a friend. We should totally hang out... staring at Reyes. ;)

As for the audio portion, Lorelei King totally rocks this book. Love her voice changes for each character and her vocal pacing is just perfect. She totally draws me into the story.

I give this audiobook 4 1/2 stars! I can't wait for the next installment. I just love hanging out with Charlie and her friends and family (except Denise... lol).

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Meme hosted by Melissa My World in Words and Pages. It's about books that are already on the shelves and are waiting to be read. Sign up at her blog to join in on the meme!

This weeks book:

This is Not a Test
by Courtney Summers

It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self. To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up. As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually wantto live. But as the days crawl by, the motivations for survival change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life—and death—inside. When everything is gone, what doyou hold on to?

Monday, December 3, 2012

This year I am really participating with an author who is giving away her whole self-published series! It's an author most of you know already. Fans of the Elemental Assassin and Mythos Academynow (after mentioning the 2 amazing series) know who I'm talking about! Yep, it's Jennifer Estep! She has an adult series about superheros that I find so fun. It has the same sense of adventure as her published works, but with quite a bit tongue-in-cheek attitude that makes you smile. For this giveaway she is offering:

Aurora Lockette has a supernatural ability she hides from the world. Gavyn Dhaval is a newly famous actor that shies away from the spotlight. When Aurora and Gavyn literally collide in a fender bender on her first day of law school, they are irresistibly drawn to each other.

When Aurora’s secret is revealed, she has no choice but to abandon Gavyn to go into hiding to escape the media frenzy. A secret society of gifted humans contacts her to warn of dark forces that seek to destroy her and everyone she loves.

Aurora must try to understand who and what she is while she fights to protect herself and her loved ones from a hidden, sinister force.

Miranda Kavi is a YA and Paranormal/Urban Fantasy author. She has worked as an attorney, an executive recruiter, and an assistant in a biological anthropology lab. She loves scary movies, museums, and is hopelessly addicted to chocolate. She lives in the Houston area with her husband and daughter.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Joseph Nassise shook up the urban fantasy genre with Eyes to See, a novel New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry called “heartbreaking, deeply insightful, powerful and genuinely thrilling.” In a devil’s deal, Jeremiah Hunt sacrificed his human sight in exchange for the power to see the hidden world of ghosts and all of the darker spirits that prowl the streets. Hunt uncovered a world of murder and magic that took his daughter from him and nearly cost him his life, but that was only the beginning....

Now Hunt is on the run from the FBI, who have pegged him as a mass-murdering dark sorcerer. His flight from the law is diverted to New Orleans when his companion, a potent witch, has a horrific vision of the city under magical siege. When they arrive, they realize that the situation is more dire than they could have imagined: the world of the living faces a terrifying attack by forces from beyond the grave. King of the Dead, the second book in this groundbreaking series, promises more of Nassise’s electrifying writing that will enthrall readers looking for a supercharged, supernatural thrill.

I reviewed the first book in the series, Eyes to Seelast year and I really enjoyed it. This is the second book in this series and I have to say I enjoyed this book even more. The characters are established and I found myself rooting even more for the main hero, Jeremiah, even more. We also pick up where the last book left off, so I do suggest these be read in order. Not because it would be too confusing (you could read these out of order), but because you get such a better feel for the characters this way.

I know that some people might worry that ghosts and the fact that this is listed as horror that it would be too scary. I admit... *stands up and confesses* that I am a wimp when it comes to horror. This series is more in the realm of UF and a lot of UF does get put into the horror genre. It isn't too scary at all, but the world these characters inhabit are also not full of sunshine and daisies. It is quite a dark world and full of action. In this book as with the last, our main characters are fighting a almost unstoppable paranormal force. In fact, it is death itself that they are fighting. Not quite the grim reaper, but more like one built of fae legends.

I don't want to give away hardly anything. There is too much here for me that I want to say, but I refuse to spoil it. I will say that the mystery here has a few twist and turns I enjoyed how the mysteries were solved. My only complaint would be the shifting POV. It wasn't constant, but it was used so lightly I would forget that I was reading someone else's POV besides Hunt's. Still, it did not prevent my enjoyment of this book as a whole.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I recommend it to anyone who loves UF. Oh, and there is a romance story-line in the book. The romance isn't quite there, but it is budding... :)

I received this book from Tor and no compensation for my review was given.

Oh and guess what?

Giveaway!

Those that now want to try the series from the beginning now have their chance! Tor books has given me the opportunity to give away 2 mass market books of Eyes to See(Jeremiah Hunt #1)! It's international! Yes, the first book! So, those that refuse to start the series in the middle won't have to do that! All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter form below: